EXPERTS who hailed a major breakthrough after locating what they thought was the source of the Hythe’s flooding woes have conceded they’re not so sure now.
Members of Hythe Taskforce discovered two historic ponds dating back to the 11th century could be the cause of the issue in Haven Road, in Hythe.
It was understood water spilling from Bourne Pond, off Bourne Road, through to Distillery Pond, off Distillery Lane, could be the action causing the Hythe’s on-going flooding woes.
But, during Colchester Council’s cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening, leader Paul Dundas said the experts are having doubts as the flooding chaos shows no sign of abating.
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And during a determined debate between council bosses and a concerned resident, Mr Dundas admitted “we are not the experts” amid calls for him to invest in the site for which Essex County Council is responsible.
Resident Nick Chilvers said Colchester Council should “put some money in the pot” as he argued it had allowed the site to become concreted over.
He said: “Have you been there with the tide flapping down your wellies? The nightmare deserves high level intervention so please, show the leadership needed, make it a priority and make progress.
“People on the eastern side of Colchester have suffered with this nightmare for far too long.
“It never used to flood as high and as regularly as it does now. Tell people what’s going on.”
But Mr Dundas insisted he is locked in conversation with Essex County Council and Anglian Water over the issue which he deems “very frustrating”.
“I would not have a problem if we were asked to contribute financially to a solution, but what has not happened yet is someone coming forward and saying this is the problem, this is the solution and it will cost X amount.
“It’s very frustrating as it seems to have been going on for 15 to 20 years and nobody seems to have worked out what the fundamental problem is.
“I can’t believe it’s beyond the wit of man to find out.
“What I don’t want to happen is we end up committing large amounts of public money to something that doesn’t work.”
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